Avocent Vertiv AutoView 2108 User guide

Avocent® AutoView™
2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch
Installer/User Guide

Technical Support Site
If you encounter any installation or operational issues with your product, check the pertinent section of
this manual to see if the issue can be resolved by following outlined procedures. For additional assistance,
visit https://www.VertivCo.com/en-us/support/.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Product Overview 1
1.1 Features and Benefits 1
1.1.1 Reduce cable bulk 1
1.1.2 IQ modules 1
1.1.3 Multiplatform support 1
1.1.4 User interfaces 1
1.1.5 Security 2
1.1.6 Virtual media and smart card support 2
1.1.7 IPv4 and IPv6 capabilities 2
1.1.8 Access the AutoView™ switch using a standard TCP/IP network 2
1.1.9 Upgradeable 2
1.1.10 Two-tier expansion 3
1.1.11 KVM remote access 3
1.1.12 Avocent® DSView™ management software plug-in 3
1.1.13 Local video scaling 3
1.1.14 Encryption 3
2 Installation 5
2.1 Setting Up Your Network 5
2.1.1 Keyboards 5
2.2 Quick Setup 5
2.3 Connecting the AutoView™ Switch Hardware 5
2.4 Tiering Your Switch Using an IQ Module 7
2.4.1 Adding a tiered switch 9
2.4.2 Adding a tiered legacy switch 10
2.5 Configuring Your Switch 13
2.6 Setting Up the Built-in Web Server 13
2.7 Connecting to the OBWI Through a Firewall 13
2.8 Verifying Power Status 14
2.9 Adjusting Mouse Settings on Target Devices 14
3 Local OSCAR™ User Interface 15
3.1 Main Dialog Box Functions 15
3.1.1 Viewing and selecting ports and devices 15
3.1.2 Viewing switch system status 16
3.1.3 Selecting devices 17
3.1.4 Soft switching 17
3.1.5 Navigating the OSCAR interface 17
3.1.6 Connecting local virtual media 18
3.2 Setup Dialog Box Functions 19
3.2.1 Changing the display behavior 19
3.2.2 Controlling the status flag 20
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3.2.3 Setting the keyboard country code 21
3.2.4 Assigning device types 21
3.2.5 Assigning device names 21
3.2.6 Configuring network settings 22
3.3 Commands Dialog Box Functions 22
3.3.1 Selecting devices for scan mode 23
3.3.2 Enabling or disabling scan mode 23
3.3.3 Viewing and disconnecting user connections 24
3.3.4 Displaying version information and upgrading firmware 24
4 OBWI Operation 27
4.1 Using the OBWI 28
4.2 Viewing System Information 28
4.3 Generating a Certificate 29
4.4 Tools - Rebooting and Upgrading 30
4.4.1 Rebooting the switch 30
4.4.2 Upgrading switch firmware 30
4.4.3 Saving and restoring configurations and user databases 31
4.5 Property Identity and Location Settings 32
4.6 Viewing Version Information 32
4.7 Network Settings 32
4.8 SNMP Settings 33
4.9 Auditing Event Settings 33
4.10 Setting Event Destinations 34
4.11 Ports Settings - Configuring an IQ Adaptor 34
4.11.1 Deleting IQ adaptors 34
4.11.2 Upgrading IQ adaptors 34
4.12 Launching a Session 35
4.12.1 General sessions settings 35
4.12.2 Local user account settings 35
4.12.3 Virtual media session settings 36
4.13 DSView Software Settings 37
5 LDAP 38
5.1 Configuring LDAP in the User Interface 38
5.1.1 LDAP Overview parameters 38
5.1.2 LDAP Search parameters 39
5.1.3 LDAP Query parameters 39
5.2 Appliance and Target Device Query Modes 40
5.3 Setting up Active Directory for Performing Queries 42
5.4 Active Sessions 43
5.5 Closing a Session 43
6 KVM Video Viewer 45
7 Terminal Operation 47
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7.1 Network Configuration 47
7.2 Other Console Main Menu Options 47
7.2.1 Firmware management 48
7.2.2 Enable debug messages 48
7.2.3 Set/Change password 48
7.2.4 Restore factory defaults 48
7.2.5 Reset appliance 48
7.2.6 Set web interface ports 48
7.2.7 Exit 48
8 Appendices 49
Appendix A: MIB SNMP Traps 49
Appendix B: Setup Port Pinouts 51
Appendix C: Using Serial IQ Modules 52
Appendix D: Sun Advanced Key Emulation 56
Appendix E: UTP Cabling 57
Appendix F: Technical Specifications 59
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1 PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 switch is an analog keyboard, video and mouse (KVM)
switch that provides flexible, centralized local access to data center servers. The 2108/2216 switch models
also provide centralized remote access to data center servers when used in conjunction with the optional
Remote Access Key (RAK-key).
1.1 Features and Benefits
1.1.1 Reduce cable bulk
With device densities continually increasing, cable bulk remains a major concern for network
administrators. The switch significantly reduces KVM cable volume in the rack by utilizing the innovative
IQ module and single, industry-standard Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling. This allows a higher
device density while providing greater airflow and cooling capacity.
1.1.2 IQ modules
The switch supports IQ modules that are powered directly from the target device and provide Keep Alive
functionality when the switch is not powered. The IQ modules with CAT5 design dramatically reduce
cable clutter while providing optimal resolution and video settings. The built-in memory of IQ modules
simplifies configuration by assigning and retaining unique device names and Electronic ID (EID) numbers
for each attached device.
PS/2 and USB IQ modules are available allowing direct KVM connectivity to devices. A VMC IQ module is
also available. The switch is offered with 8 or 16 ARI ports that are used to connect IQ modules to the
switch. Then utilizing the IQ modules, you can attach additional switches to expand your switch system.
This flexibility allows you to add capacity as your data center grows.
1.1.3 Multiplatform support
Avocent® IQ module intelligent cabling can be used to connect local devices to the switch. PS/2 and USB
options are available. For more information, please refer to the appropriate installer/user guide for your
product or visit https://www.VertivCo.com for more information.
1.1.4 User interfaces
The switch is equipped with two “point-and-click” interfaces to manage the switch locally. They are the
local user interface (UI), referred to as the Avocent® OSCAR™ graphical user interface (GUI) and the on-
board web interface (OBWI). Using the configuration options provided by these interfaces, you can tailor
your switch to your specific application. The OBWI can also be used to access and control any attached
devices and handle all basic KVM needs remotely.
NOTE: For the 2108/2216 switch models, remote KVM sessions via the OBWI require the installation of
the RAK-key.
OSCAR™ graphical user interface
The OSCAR user interface, accessed using the local port, features intuitive menus and operation modes
to configure your switch and devices. Devices can be identified by name, EID or port number.
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1.1.5 Security
The recommended usage for the switch is in a data center infrastructure protected by a firewall. The
interface allows you to protect your system with a window saver password. When the window saver mode
engages, access is prohibited until the appropriate password is entered to reactivate the system. By
typing Help in the password dialog, you are directed to Technical Support.
OBWI
You can also use the OBWI to manage your switch. The OBWI is launched directly from the switch and
does not require a software server or any installation. With the addition of the optional RAK-key installed,
you can also establish remote KVM and virtual media sessions to target devices. For more information, see
Product Overview on page 1.
NOTE: RAK-key installation is only applicable for the 2108/2216 switch models.
Terminal console interface
The terminal console interface is accessed through the "SETUP" port. A terminal window or a PC running
terminal emulation software can be used to access the interface.
1.1.6 Virtual media and smart card support
The switch allows you to view, move or copy data located on local media and smart cards. Smart cards are
pocket-sized cards that store and process information, including identification and authentication
information, to enable access to computers, networks and secure rooms or buildings.
A virtual media or a smart card reader can be connected directly to the USB ports on the switch. In
addition, virtual media or smart card readers can be connected to any remote workstation that is running
the remote OBWI, switch software or DSView management software and is connected to the switch using
an Ethernet connection.
NOTE: To open a virtual media or smart card session with a target device, you must first connect the
target device to a switch using a USB2 or VMC IQ module.
1.1.7 IPv4 and IPv6 capabilities
The switch is compatible with systems using either of the currently used Internet Protocol Versions, IPv4
or IPv6. You can change the network settings and choose either IPv4 or IPv6 mode via the terminal
console, OSCAR interface or OBWI.
1.1.8 Access the AutoView™ switch using a standard TCP/IP network
The device is accessible for configuration via the standard TCP/IP network. If the optional RAK-key is
installed, you can access all attached systems via Ethernet. See Product Overview on page 1.
NOTE: The client connects to the switch using an Internet browser.
NOTE: KVM over IP sessions are supported on the 2108/2216 switch models when the RAK-key is
installed. RAK-key installation is only applicable for the 2108/2216 switch models.
1.1.9 Upgradeable
Upgrade your switch at any time to ensure you are always running the most current firmware version
available. For more information, see Tools - Rebooting and Upgrading on page 30.
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1.1.10 Two-tier expansion
The switch allows you to tier one additional switch from each ARI port on the primary switch. Each tiered
switch is attached in the same manner as any device. This additional tier of units allows you to attach up
to 256 servers in one system. See Tiering Your Switch Using an IQ Module on page 7.
1.1.11 KVM remote access
A single KVM remote user is supported. You can manage remote operating system installation, operating
system recovery, hard drive recovery or duplication, BIOS updating and server backup. You must install
the optional RAK-key to a USB port to enable KVMremote access on the 2108/2216 switch models.
1.1.12 Avocent® DSView™ management software plug-in
The DSView management software can be used with the switch to allow IT administrators to securely and
remotely access and monitor target devices on multiple platforms through a single, web-based user
interface. A session can be launched to a device from a single point of access. For more information, see
the Technical Bulletin for the DSView management software plug-in.
1.1.13 Local video scaling
The switch digitizes a video signal with a maximum pixel resolution of up to 1600 x 1200 or 1680 x 1050
(widewindow), depending on the length of cable separating your switch and devices.
1.1.14 Encryption
The switch supports AES encryption of keyboard/mouse, video and virtual media sessions.
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2 INSTALLATION
The switch uses TCP/IP for communication over Ethernet. For the best system performance, use a
dedicated, switched 10Base-T or 100Base-T Ethernet network.
You can use the terminal software, OSCAR interface or the OBWI to manage your switch system. The
OBWI manages a single switch and its connections. You can also perform KVM and serial switching tasks
using the OBWI or DSView management software. The optional RAK-key is required to use the remote
KVMfeature on the 2108/2216 switch models. For more information about DSView management software,
visit http://www.VertivCo.com.
NOTE: Ensure that every switch has been upgraded to the most recent version of firmware. For
information on upgrading the switch using the OBWI, see Tools - Rebooting and Upgrading on page
30.
2.1 Setting Up Your Network
The switch uses IP addresses to uniquely identify the switch and attached devices. The switch supports
both Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) and static IP addressing. Make sure that an IP address
is reserved for each switch and that each IP address remains static while the switch is connected to the
network.
2.1.1 Keyboards
A USB keyboard and mouse can be connected to the analog ports of the switch.
NOTE: The switch also supports the use of multiple keyboards and multiple mice on the analog port.
The use of more than one input device simultaneously, however, can produce unpredictable results.
2.2 Quick Setup
The following is a quick setup list. For detailed rack mounting and installation instructions, see the KVM
Switch Rack Mount Quick Installation Guide.
1. Unpack the switch and verify that all components are present and in good condition.
2. Install the switch hardware and connect an IQ module to each target device or tiered switch.
Connect each IQ module to the switch with CAT5 cabling and connect the keyboard, monitor
and mouse connectors to the analog ports of the switch.
3. Connect the local port peripherals to the appropriate ports on the back panel of the switch and
set up the network configuration. The IP address can be set here. Using a static IP address is
recommended.
4. For the local port connection, input all device names using the OSCAR interface or the OBWI.
5. Adjust mouse acceleration on each device to Slow or N on e.
2.3 Connecting the AutoView™ Switch Hardware
The following figure illustrates an example configuration for the AutoView switch.
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Figure 2.1 Basic Configuration
ITEM DESCRIPTION ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 AutoView switch (16-port model shown) 7 ACI connection
2 Power cord 8 External virtual media - USB connections
3 Analog users (2) 9 Target device ports
4 Digital user (requires the RAK-key; only applicable for the 2108/2216 switch models.) 10 IQ modules
5 LAN/network 11 Servers/target devices
6 SETUP console setup port
Table 2.1 Basic Configuration Descriptions
NOTE: The switch supports connecting to another appliance via an ACI connection. This connection
requires that the secondary appliance in the tier have an ACI connector on the user side.
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CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock or damage to your equipment, do not disable
the power cord grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety feature. Plug the
power cord into a grounded (earthed) outlet that is easily accessible at all times. Disconnect the
power from the unit by unplugging the power cord from either the power source or the unit.
NOTE: If the building has 3-phase AC power, ensure that the computer and monitor are on the same
phase to avoid potential phase-related video and/or keyboard problems.
NOTE: The maximum supported cable length from switch to server is 30 meters.
Adhere to the following guidelines when connecting the switch:
•Do not disable the power grounding plug. The grounding plug is an important safety
feature.
•Connect the power cord into a grounded (earthed) outlet that is easily accessible at all
times.
•Disconnect the power from the product by unplugging the power cord from either the
power source or the product.
•This product has no user-serviceable parts inside the product enclosure. Do not open or
remove the product cover.
To connect and turn on your switch:
1. Connect your VGA monitor and USB keyboard and mouse cables to the appropriately labeled
ports.
2. Connect one end of a UTP cable (4-pair, up to 98 ft/30 m) to an available numbered port.
Connect the other end to an RJ45 connector of an IQ module.
3. Connect an IQ module to the appropriate port on the back of a device. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for
all devices you want to connect.
NOTE: When connecting to a Sun Microsystems™ server, you must use a multi-sync monitor in the
local port to accommodate Sun computers that support both VGA and sync-on-green or composite
sync.
4. Connect a user-supplied UTP cable from the Ethernet network to the LAN port on the back of
the switch. Network users access the switch through this port.
5. Turn on each device, then locate the power cord that came with the switch. Connect one end
to the power socket on the rear of the switch. Connect the other end into an appropriate power
source.
6. (Optional) Connect the virtual media or smart card readers to any of the USB ports on the
switch.
NOTE: For all virtual media sessions, you must use a USB2 or VMC IQ module.
2.4 Tiering Your Switch Using an IQ Module
The following figure illustrates a typical IQ module connection between the switch and a device.
To connect an IQ module to each device:
NOTE: When tiering devices, the switch closest to the actual user is the primary switch.
1. Locate the IQ modules for your switch.
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2. If you are using a PS/2 IQ module connection, attach the color-coded ends of the IQ module
cable to the appropriate keyboard, monitor and mouse ports on the first device you connect to
this switch. If you are using a USB connection, attach the plug from the IQ module to the USB
port on the first device you connect to this switch.
3. To the RJ45 connector on the IQ module, attach one end of the CAT5 cable to run from your IQ
module to the switch.
4. Connect the other end of the CAT5 cable to the desired ARI port on the back of your switch.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 for all devices you wish to attach.
NOTE: Turn off the switch before servicing. Always disconnect the power cord from the power source.
Figure 2.2 IQ Module Connection
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 CAT5
2 USB Connection
3 VGA Connection
Table 2.2 Descriptions for IQ Module Configuration
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2.4.1 Adding a tiered switch
You can tier up to two levels of switches, enabling you connect a switch to up to 256 devices. In a tiered
system, each device port on the main switch connects to the ACI port on each tiered switch. Each tiered
switch can then be connected to a device with an IQ module.
To tier multiple switches:
1. Attach one end of a UTP cable (up to 30 meters in length) to a device port on the switch.
2. Connect the other end of the UTP cable to the ACI port on the back of your tiered switch.
3. Connect the devices to your tiered switch.
4. Repeat these steps for all the tiered switches you wish to attach to your system.
NOTE: The system automatically “merges” the two switches. All switches connected to the tiered
switch are displayed on the main switch list in the local UI.
NOTE: The switch supports one tiered switch per device port of the main switch. You cannot attach a
switch to the tiered switch.
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Figure 2.3 Tiering the Switch With a UTP Analog Switch
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 Local User
2 ARI Connection
3 UTP Connection
4 ACI Connection (chain icon)
Table 2.3 Descriptions for Tiering the Switch
2.4.2 Adding a tiered legacy switch
The following figure illustrates a tiered legacy switch configuration.
To add a legacy switch (optional):
1. Mount the switch into your rack. Locate a UTP cable (up to 30 meters) to connect your switch
to the legacy switch.
2. Attach one end of the UTP cable to the ARI port on your switch.
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3. Connect the other end of the UTP cable to a PS/2 IQ module.
4. Connect the IQ module to the legacy switch according to the switch manufacturer's
recommendations.
5. Repeat steps 1-4 for all the legacy switches you wish to attach to your switch.
NOTE: The primary switch supports only one switch per ARI port or USB port. You cannot tier a switch
to a tiered switch.
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Figure 2.4 Tiering Legacy Switches
ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 Local User
2 ARI Connection
3 IQ Module
4 PS2 Connection
5 Target Device Connection
Table 2.4 Descriptions for Tiering Legacy Switches
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2.5 Configuring Your Switch
Once all physical connections have been made, need to configure the switch for use in the overall switch
system. This can be accomplished using the serial interface, OBWI, OSCAR or the DSView management
software. When configuring the switch using OSCAR, see Network Settings on page 32. When using
DSView management software on the 2108/2216 switch models, the RAK-key is required. See the
applicable Installer/User Guide for detailed instructions.
2.6 Setting Up the Built-in Web Server
Before using the OBWI to access the switch, the IP address must be specified using the setup port on the
back panel of the switch or through the local user interface (OSCAR). To use the switch UI, see Local
OSCAR™ User Interface on page 15.
2.7 Connecting to the OBWI Through a Firewall
For switch installations that use the OBWI for access, the following ports must be opened in a firewall if
outside access is desired.
PORT
NUMBER FUNCTION
TCP 80 Used for the initial downloading of the Video Viewer. The appliance administrator can change this value.
TCP 443 Used by the web browser interface for managing the switch and launching KVM sessions. The appliance Admin can change this
value.
TCP 2068 Transmission of KVM session data (mouse and keyboard) or transmission of video on switches (requires the RAK-key for the
2108/2216 switch models).
TCP/UDP 3211 Discovery (requires the RAK-key for the 2108/2216 switch models).
Table 2.5 OBWI Ports With a Firewall
The following figure and table provide a typical configuration where the computer is located outside of
the firewall and the switch resides inside the firewall.
Figure 2.5 Typical Firewall Configuration
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ITEM DESCRIPTION
1 Avocent® AutoView™ 2108/2216/3108/3216 Switch
2 Firewall
3 Computer
4 Firewall forwards HTTP requests and KVM traffic to the switch
5 Connection to an IP address outside the firewall
Table 2.6 Descriptions for Firewall Configuration
To configure the firewall:
To access the switch from outside a firewall, configure your firewall to forward ports 80 and 443 from its
external interface to the KVM switch through the firewall’s internal interface. Consult your firewall manual
for specific port forwarding instructions.
NOTE: Ports 80 and 443 can be reconfigured by an administrator. You must reboot for a port change
to take effect.
For information on launching the OBWI, see OBWI Operation on page 27.
2.8 Verifying Power Status
The switch has one power supply. The LED illuminates when the switch is turned on and operating
normally.
2.9 Adjusting Mouse Settings on Target Devices
Before a computer connected to the switch can be used for remote user control, you must either enable
Avocent Module Sync (see Mouse Settings for additional information) or set the target mouse speed and
turn off acceleration. For machines running Microsoft® Windows® (Windows NT®, 2000, XP or Server
2003), use the default USB mouse driver.
To ensure that the local mouse movement and remote cursor display remain in sync, mouse acceleration
must be set to none for all user accounts accessing a remote system through a KVM switch. Mouse
acceleration must also be set to none on every remote system. Special cursors should not be used and
cursor visibility options, such as pointer trails, Ctrl key cursor location animations, cursor shadowing and
cursor hiding, should also be turned off.
NOTE: If you are not able to disable mouse acceleration from within a Windows operating system or if
you do not wish to adjust the settings of all your target devices, you can use the Tools - Single Cursor
Mode command available in the Video Viewer window. This command places the Video Viewer window
into an “invisible mouse” mode, which allows you to manually toggle control between the mouse
pointer on the device system being viewed and the mouse pointer on the client computer.
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